Chapter 111: The Ancient Formation

The tiger remained silent for a few moments, considering the BloodFang leader’s proposal. Its massive body rested on the ground, but its sharp eyes remained fixed on the human standing before it. The leader waited patiently, keeping his head slightly lowered.

“How long will it take to activate the formation?” Tiger finally asked.

The leader straightened slightly before answering. Although he maintained a respectful posture, his expression showed that he had already anticipated this question.

“That depends on the Outer God Cult’s preparations, My Lord. They are responsible for activating it, but we have been assured that it will be ready when we need it.”

The tiger’s eyes narrowed. Its expression hardened, and the atmosphere around it grew tense. The answer did not seem to satisfy it completely.

“I don’t want any delays. If your arrangement fails at the crucial moment, your corpse will be the one answering for it.”

The threat left little room for misunderstanding. The BloodFang leader’s shoulders stiffened momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew better than to show hesitation in front of a creature of this strength.

“Understood, My Lord. I’ll make certain that everything is ready before the operation begins.”

The tiger studied him for a moment longer. Its gaze moved across the leader’s face, as though judging whether his confidence was justified. It had little interest in the human’s assurances alone, but the formation offered a practical solution to the problem of outside interference. If the cult delivered what it had promised, the neighboring cities would have little opportunity to disrupt the attack.

Finally, the tiger gave a low growl.

“Very well. I accept your proposal.”

The BloodFang leader immediately bowed. Some of the tension left his shoulders, and a hint of relief appeared on his face. Gaining the tiger’s approval had clearly been important to him.

“Thank you, My Lord.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” the tiger warned. “You still have to fulfill your part of the agreement.”

The leader’s expression became serious again. He lowered his head, making sure his response carried no hint of carelessness.

“I will not disappoint you.”

He kept his head lowered, concealing the relief he felt. Securing the tiger’s approval was an important step, but the real work would begin once he returned to his people. There was still much to prepare, and failure was not an option.

The tiger shifted its enormous body and looked down at him. Its movements were slow, but the sheer size of the creature made even this simple action intimidating.

“After Silverwood City is destroyed, I will grant you permission to enter the Abyss Realm. Finish your preparations, and wait for my signal.”

The BloodFang leader’s expression brightened slightly at the promise. He quickly controlled his reaction and bowed again, careful not to appear overly eager in front of the tiger.

“Understood, My Lord.”

Hidden behind the tree, the Shadow Soldier listened carefully. He kept his body perfectly still, paying attention to every word exchanged between the two. The agreement was now settled, and the BloodFang leader would soon leave the clearing.

However, the tiger’s next words made the soldier focus even more closely.

“When everything is ready, I will gather the beasts under my command. I won’t send them toward the city one by one. We will move together.”

The leader nodded. His expression showed approval as he considered the advantage of such an approach.

“That will make the assault much more difficult for the city’s defenders to withstand.”

“Exactly.” The tiger’s voice carried a hint of satisfaction. “Once my forces have assembled, I will give the signal. Until then, no one is to act without my permission.”

The tiger’s eyes narrowed slightly as it delivered the final instruction. Its tone made it clear that it expected absolute obedience. Whatever plans the BloodFang leader had made, none of them would proceed without its approval.

“Your orders will be followed, My Lord.”

The Shadow Soldier’s expression grew serious.

He had suspected that the unusual movements of Monster Beasts around the region might be connected, but now he had confirmation that the tiger intended to organize them into a single force.

This was not an accidental gathering of beasts. The attack was being planned, and the tiger intended to lead it personally.

The soldier felt the weight of the information he had gathered. He needed to report everything to Lucian as soon as possible. The formation alone was dangerous enough, but the prospect of multiple Monster Beasts attacking together made the situation even more urgent.

The BloodFang leader bowed one final time before taking a few steps back. His movements remained careful and respectful, showing that he understood the importance of leaving on the right terms.

“I’ll return and ensure that our side is prepared.”

The tiger gave no further instructions. It lowered its head toward the human bodies scattered across the clearing and resumed eating, signaling that the conversation was over.

The leader did not attempt to prolong the meeting. He turned away and began making his way out of the clearing, his expression returning to its usual composed state.

The Shadow Soldier stayed behind the tree, careful not to move while the man was still nearby. His muscles remained tense, but he kept his breathing steady. He had gathered the information he needed, and he would not risk exposing himself just to leave a few moments earlier.

He waited until the BloodFang leader had moved farther away before shifting his attention back to the tiger.

The creature continued its meal without showing any sign that it knew someone had been listening. Its attention appeared to be elsewhere, but the soldier had no intention of underestimating it.

He reviewed the important details in his mind. The BloodFang leader had secured the tiger’s agreement, the Outer God Cult was responsible for the formation, and the Monster Beasts would assemble before the attack began.

He still did not know exactly when the operation would start, but waiting longer might not provide that answer. Every moment spent in the clearing increased the risk of being discovered.

He needed to return to Lucian and deliver the report.

With that decision made, the Shadow Soldier carefully prepared to withdraw. He controlled his movements, keeping them slow and measured as he remained alert to the sounds around him.

Silverwood City had little time to prepare, and Lucian needed to know what was coming before the enemy made its next move.

— CHAPTER END —